Network Topologies

11. What does a linear bus topology use to connect all network devices?

A common backbone cable.

19. Which topology connects each network device to many other network devices?

Mesh Topology.

9. What is the advantage of a ring topology?

Minimizes the number of cables needed.

3. What are five main types of Physical Network Topologies?

1. Star 2. Ring 3. Linear Bus 4. Tree 5. Mesh

12. What does the backbone cable function as?

A shared communication link, which carries network data.

13. What is a "terminator"?

A special device that the backbone cable stops at each end of the network with.

8. How many neighbors does each device in a ring topology have?

Exactly two neighbors.

10. What is the disadvantage of a ring topology?

Failure device takes down the entire network.

7. How does a ring topology connect devices?

In a circle with each device having exactly two neighbors.

16. The Tree Topology is a blend of what?

Star and Bus networks.

1. What does physical topology of a network refer to?

The configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals.

2. What is Logical Topology?

The method used to pass information between workstations.

4. How is a Star Topology designed?

With each node (file server workstation and peripheral) connected directly to a central network hub.

21. List four disadvantages of a Mesh Topology.

• Difficult to implement. • Difficult to administer. • Difficult to troubleshoot. • Expensive.

14. List two advantages of a Linear Bus Topology.

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to linear bus. • Requires less cable length than a star topology.

5. List three advantages of a star topology.

• Easy to install and wire. • No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices. • Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

15. List four disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology.

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable. • Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable. • Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down. • Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

20. List one advantage of a Mesh Topology.

• Extremely fault tolerant.

22. List the four things to consider when choosing a topology.

• Money- A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a network; you do have to purchase the concentrators. • Length of Cable Needed- The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of cable. • Future Growth- With a star topology expanding a network is easily done by adding another concentrator. • Cable Type- The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair which is most often used with star topologies.

18. List three disadvantages of a Tree Topology.

• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used. • If the backbone line breaks the entire segment goes down. • More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

6. List three disadvantages of a star topology.

• Requires more cable length than a linear topology. • If the hub fails nodes attached are disabled. • More expensive than linear bus because of the cost of the hub.

17. List two advantages of a Tree Topology.

• Tree Topologies offer excellent flexibility for expansion for example, a single link to the backbone cable can add an entire group of star-configured devices. • Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.